Baby/Infant/Child Strengthening and Recreational Device

ABSTRACT

A device with three flat mirrored panels connected by two-way hinges with a contrasting color pattern located on each panel and the ability to customize lightening and music elements, provides an adult the ability to individualize sensory stimulation and use multiple positioning options of the device during tummy time with a child in order to promote the child&#39;s gross motor development.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I submitted a provisional application for my current invention on Aug.23, 2016 to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Myinvention's provisional application No. 62/378,424.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR ASA TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINTINVENTOR

After receiving confirmation of my provisional application submission tothe United States Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 23, 2016, Istarted to disclose my invention via email correspondence on Jan. 17,2017 to potential companies interested in learning more about myinvention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention for the present application relates to adevice that serves a dual purpose as a strengthening device as well as arecreational device for a baby. The device has three flat panelsconnected by two way-hinges. The front face of each panel has a flatmirror surface, lights and a contrasting color pattern design. A musicplayer is located inside the center panel. The device has the ability tostand by itself and offers the user a variety of positioning optionswhen placed in a vertical position with a semi-circular shape on a firmsurface. Affixation devices are located on the backside of each panel inorder to attach the device to a support structure as desired.

Tummy time” (also known as prone or stomach lying) is considered a bodyposition as well as a play activity babies must demonstrate in order todevelop fundamental and age appropriate gross motor skills. Tummy timerequires babies to work neck, back and arm muscles against gravity inorder to raise and maintain their head off the ground during play. It isa play position that, initially, is not tolerable for babies as theirneck, back and arm muscles aren't strong yet; therefore, tummy time endsup being a difficult play position for babies to master. A baby willtypically tolerate either brief periods of time or no time at all ontheir stomach due to the level of difficulty of sustaining their headposition off the ground while attempting to control their upper bodyposition at the same time. However, the working of these muscle groupsagainst gravity supports the infant's overall development of strengthand coordination, which in turn promotes gaining developmentallyappropriate movement and play skills, and is, therefore, critical to achild's overall development. Improved tolerance for tummy time can onlybe achieved by continually placing a child in the prone position andincreasing the time the child stays in this position. The terms baby,infant or child herein have been used interchangeably and the use of theinvention is not restricted to the age of the baby, infant or child.

The “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994 and the “Safe to Sleep” campaign in2012, by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommended that allbabies be put to sleep on their backs (rather than their stomach) tohelp reduce the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Sincethe initiation of these campaigns, it has become even more importantthat babies work on spending increased amounts of time on their stomachduring their waking hours. Spending time in the prone position duringplaytime helps a child improve their overall strength, endurance, andcoordination and develop age-appropriate developmental motor skills.

In the past, mirrors have been used for engaging a baby while in theprone position. Children enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror; theyfind this novel activity stimulating and entertaining. The use of amirror during tummy time is a great way to engage the child in—anddistract a child from—the hard work they are performing while on theirstomach. However, current baby toy products, e.g. single panel mirrortoys, are limited in their ability to support the desired outcome ofsustained tummy time.

Current single panel mirror toys (e.g. tummy time mirrors) as knowninclude design flaws which undermine the ability to meet the needs of ababy during tummy time and therefore promote longer periods of tummytime with a baby. The known mirrors lack the ability to provide thechild with:

1. Easy viewing of themselves:

-   -   a. Current tummy time mirrors fail to provide a large enough        mirror surface for the child to easily see themselves. Current        product mirror sizes are small, ranging from a 3×3-inch to an        8×10-inch single panel. Further, these mirrors have large frames        which take up significant product surface area, leaving less        mirror surface available for a child to see their reflection.        Given young babies have an immature visual system at birth, the        smaller size mirrors make it difficult for a baby to locate        their reflection and therefore engage with and be entertained by        current tummy time mirrors.    -   b. The positional design of current tummy time mirrors also        interferes with the baby's ability to see themselves. Current        products are either angled backwards at approximately a 30-45        degree angle or stand at an elevated vertical position off the        ground making it exceptionally difficult for a baby with        little-to-no head control to see themselves. Under these        conditions, babies fail to receive the immediate positive        feedback (e.g. of seeing their reflection), which is necessary        to reinforce sustained tummy time.

2. Continual stimulation, uninterrupted views of themselves:

-   -   a. Current tummy time mirrors use a single panel mirror. This        design only promotes engagement of the child who is already        physically able to lift his or her head in an upward forward        motion off the ground and high enough off the ground to        compensate for being able to look over the thick mirror frame        and backward slant or elevated position of the mirror. The baby        who is unable to position his or her head in this manner sees no        reflection in the mirror and has no incentive to interact with        the mirror or persist with tummy time.

3. Supportive stimuli that can be individualized to each child's need:

-   -   a. Most of the tummy time mirrors incorporate a mirror as a        feature of the overall, more complex product design. One        existing tummy time mirror design has a single panel mirror with        a music player; another single panel mirror design, incorporates        a music player and lights. These designs incorporate continuous,        simultaneous stimuli (i.e. music, lights) with no ability to        turn one stimulus off separate from the other, a condition which        may serve to overstimulate, rather than engage, a baby. Some        children respond better to only a music-mirror combination.        Others may enjoy only a light-mirror combination. Still other        children may respond better to a mirror-only feature. The        inability of current tummy time mirrors to individualize the        stimuli features to a child's preferences does not support        helping a child play longer on their stomach during tummy time.

4. Opportunities to engage in dynamic motor skills:

-   -   a. Current tummy time mirrors incorporate a single panel mirror        which is effective for only promoting a single head position.        The known designs only promote static positioning of the child        (e.g. holding their head up in a midline position) and requires        the child to work only on holding their head only in a single        position (head held forward) unless an adult is actively        repositioning the single panel mirror during play as the baby        turns his or her head to the left or right side (instead of        keeping their head in midline) so that the location of the        single panel mirror matches the eye gaze of the child. The        inability of a child to see their reflection independent of        adult assistance after they have changed their head position        from the midline position (e.g. the child has turned their head        to the right, but the single mirror panel is still located in        the midline position), reduced the child's ability to be engage        with and be motivated by external stimuli (e.g. their reflection        in the mirror) as their head positions changes in order to help        sustain playing on their stomach longer.

5. A versatile tool to support specific gross motor needs:

-   -   a. Current tummy time mirrors pose a challenge for children with        motor difficulties (e.g. developmentally delays or muscular        disorders, such as torticollis) given the decreased physical        strength and body (e.g. head, trunk) control that is associated        with such conditions.    -   b. Torticollis (“twisted neck”), a term used by physicians and        motor therapists (e.g. physical therapist, occupational        therapist) to describe abnormal neck posture, is characterized        by persistent rotation of the head to one side and lateral        flexion on the opposite side. Torticollis can be congenital        (occurring during or shortly after birth) or acquired (caused by        environment/experience). Eighty differential diagnoses have been        identified which may cause a torticollis posture. The incidence        of torticollis has increased dramatically, however, since the        AAP's Back to Sleep campaign was initiated in 1992; the        incidence of torticollis has increased from 1 in 300 children to        1 in 60. Research also suggests that 57% of twins present with        torticollis. Engagement in current tummy time mirror products        are a real challenge for a child with developmental delays or        muscular disorders given the typical physical impairments        associated with such conditions (e.g. decreased muscle strength,        decreased balance control).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A baby strengthening and recreational device should include, not only alarger mirror surface on a single panel, but provide multiple largemirrored surfaces with the ability to stand in a semi-circulararrangement to allow for consistent child engagement during tummy time.Given this unique design, as the child's head position changes (that is,from whatever position their head is held or tuned), the child cancontinually view their reflection from any orientation of their head onor off the ground. Research suggests that babies innately enjoy lookingat the human face, especially other baby faces; therefore, having theopportunity to see their own reflection from any head direction duringtummy time is highly motivating and therefore can help facilitatekeeping a child on their stomach longer. The device should also includea protective cover for each panel to prevent the mirror surface frombeing scratched when not in use (e.g. when being stored or transported).

A baby strengthening and recreational device should also incorporateimproved positioning of all of the mirror surfaces which allow the childto see themselves readily and easily. The mirror surfaces ought to bepositioned low to the ground, in a vertical position and with minimalframing to allow the child to easily view themselves from any position(that is, from whatever position their head is held or turned on or offthe ground).

A baby strengthening and recreational device should provide multiplemirrored panels in a semi-circular shape. This unique design ensuresthat the child will have the opportunity to see themselves regardless oftheir head position (e.g. forward, turned left, turned right, with whileon or off the ground). This design offers a large mirror surface forpanoramic viewing, ensuring uninterrupted viewing by the baby which, inturn, supports continued motivation to participate in tummy time. Thisdesign also eliminates the need for the adult to continually move themirror in response to the baby's changing head position during tummytime in order for the mirror's location to match the baby's eye gaze.The design also enables the device to stand by itself; therefore, notrequiring an adult to hold the device in place in order to engage thechild during tummy time. Finally, the design offers varied set upconfigurations of the three-mirrored panels during use in order to meetthe unique needs of each child.

A baby strengthening and recreational device should also provide theability to customize light and music stimuli. Research suggests musictaps into a baby's strong preference for sounds and lights help captureand keep a baby's attention. These two stimuli can engage a baby duringplay, distract the baby from the difficult task of doing tummy time andtherefore help promote increased duration of time on their stomach.Providing versatility, the option of being able to turn the lightsfeature on/off separate from turning the music feature on/off, asneeded, is crucial to meeting the individual needs of each child inorder to facilitate improved tummy time. Also, given the recommended useof multiple mirrored panels in the device, lights located on each panelought to be activated independently of each other as well. This featurewill allow the use of specific lights to promote head movement in thedirection of the illuminated or activated lights.

A baby strengthening and recreational device should also provide acontrasting color pattern to be incorporated into the design of thedevice. Since an infant's visual system is not fully developed at birth,research suggests that presenting contrasting color patterns to a babyhelps their eyes learn to focus on a target, which aids in thedevelopment of their head control. Since contrasting color patternsstimulate a baby's interest visually, it is another motivating stimulusthat can engage a baby during tummy time.

A baby strengthening and recreational device should finally provide anaffixation mechanism on the backside of each panel to enable the deviceto attach to a support structure (e.g. baby play gyms, baby activitygyms or baby play systems, each of which have support bars) when anadult cannot be right next to their child during tummy time. Thisfeature enables the device to be safely secured to a stable structure toensure the device maintains its vertical position on the ground when achild is engaged with the device and an adult is not close to theirchild to monitor their physical skills during tummy time (e.g. tosupervise if the child reaches for the device with their hand or rollstoward the device). Affixation devices provide the user with anadditional positioning option (e.g. use the device free-standing orattached to a support structure).

Children gain appropriate developmental motor skills when they areengaged in static, as well as, dynamic play. Unique to this device, itprovides multiple mirrored panels in a semi-circular arrangementencourages a child to not only move their head in the up-and-downforward head lifting motion, but also, in the left and right headturning motions (dynamic movement) and to learn how to weight shift tothe left and right sides of their upper body (dynamic movement) in orderto support the development of head movement and control. The developmentof dynamic head strength and control is critical to a child'sdevelopment of more advanced motor skills.

A baby strengthening and recreational device comprising: 1) three-panelsof mirrors, 2) an ability to position the panels in a vertical positionin a semi-circular shape on the ground 3) utilizing two-way hinges thatconnect the panels and offers various set up configurations during use4) an ability to attach the device to a support structure, 5) provides aprotective cover for each mirrored panel, 6) has a small size framearound each mirror surface with a contrasting color pattern design oneach frame and 7) has optional light and music features that can becustomized in order to offer the versatility necessary to engagetypically developing children and children with special needs duringtummy time.

For example, a child who has left-side torticollis prefers to look tothe right; it is very difficult for them to look forward and to theleft. Therefore, these children find it difficult to hold their head inthose directions (e.g. looking forward and to the left) during play.This single-side preference (e.g. looking to the right), if notaddressed, can lead to delays in other areas of the child's development.A baby strengthening and recreational device would promote engagementand perseverance in achieving the more difficult head orientations andwould, in turn, support acquisition of new gross motor skills. The babystrengthening and recreational device's two-way hinges, three-paneldesign, allows for varied set-up, depending on the child's needs. In thecase of a child with left torticollis, the left and center mirroredpanels of the tri-fold design may be positioned in front of thechild—with the right side panel swung backward out of view—to reducechild head orientation in the preferred direction, (e.g. head turning)and, thus, promotes attainment of full range of motion for headpositioning (e.g. in the midline position and left head turning aswell). The adult may also find using the customized light and musicfeatures useful in promoting this child's attention and head orientationto be directed to the center and to the weaker side (left side).

Tummy time is vital to a baby's growth and development; current researchsuggests that a lack of tummy time may underlie increased incidence ofdevelopmental delays. A well-designed baby strengthening andrecreational device incorporating a plurality of mirrored panelsarranged in an easily accessible viewing position with the ability toindividualize supportive stimuli (e.g. mirror location, light and musicfeatures) promotes a baby's tolerance for, and sustained engagement intummy time, which in turn, promotes a child's motor development. Furtherobject, features, advantages, and properties of the device according tothe present application will become apparent from the detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed portion of the present description, theteachings of the present application will be explained in more detailwith reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention,

FIG. 2 shows a back view of one alternative embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention in an open use position with all three panels being utilized,

FIG. 4 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention in an open use position without the left panel being utilized,

FIG. 5 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention in an open use position without the right panel beingutilized,

FIG. 6 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention in a closed non-use position,

FIG. 7 shows a top or aerial view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention with the protective cover engaged to the front side of anindividual panel, and

FIG. 8 shows an isometric side view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention with the protective cover engaged to the front side of anindividual panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, the invention according to theteachings for this application in the form of a baby strengthening andrecreational device will be described by the embodiments.

A first embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, showing afront view of the device 100. The device 100 may comprise an arrangementof three individual flat panels 101 creating a semi-circular shape whenpositioned vertically on the ground. Each panel 101 may have a flatmirror surface 102 on the front side of each panel 101. This arrangementcreates a panoramic view of image reflection available to the child whenthe child is placed in front of the device 100 while on their stomach.

In the present embodiment, the device 100 may be formed of lightweightmolded plastic material that creates a flat panel 101. The front side ofthe flat panel 101 may have a low-profile frame design. Each flat panel101 may have a flat mirror surface 102 incorporated into the structureof the front side of the flat panel 101. The edges of the mirror surface102 may be surrounded by a frame on the front side of the flat panel101. The mirror surface 102 may be made out of a high quality reflectivemirror material that is non-breakable and/or shatter resistant. Acontrasting color pattern design may be located on the frame on thefront side of the panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the contrastingcolor pattern design may be located on any part of the flat panel 101(e.g. backside, top, bottom, and/or sides).

In the present embodiment, each flat panel 101 may have an approximatedimension of 8.50″ in height, 10.50″ in width, and 1.25″ in thickness.In alternative embodiments, the overall measurements of each flat panel101 may be increased or decreased in size. Within each flat panel 101may be a mirror surface 102. The size of the mirror surface 102 may beapproximately 7.00″ in height and 9.00″ in width. In alternativeembodiments, the overall measurements of the mirror surface 102 may beincreased or decreased in size.

In the present embodiment, the device 100 may incorporate a two-wayhinge mechanism 103, which may be located between the first and secondpanels 101, and the second and third panels 101. The two-way hingemechanism 103 enables the device 100 to stand by itself by positioningthe device 100 in a vertical position with a semi-circular shape on afirm surface. The two-way hinge mechanism 103 also allows for a varietyof set up configurations during use; the two-way hinge mechanism 103permits a user to fold outwardly the left and right panels 101 in orderto meet a child's individual needs. Finally, the two-way hinge mechanism103 enables the device 100 to fold for easy storage. The two-way hinges103 may be made out of synthetic material with elastic properties. Inalternative embodiments, plastic, metal, and/or bungee material may beused in the hinge mechanism 103.

In the present embodiment, the lights 104 may be located behind eachmirror surface 102 with the lights 104 projecting through the mirrorsurface 102. The lights 104 may be positioned around the insideperiphery of each mirror surface 102. In alternative embodiments, thelights 104 may be located: about any desired portion of each mirrorsurface 102; on the front or inside of each mirror surface 102; betweenthe edge of the mirror surface 102 and the panel 101; about any desiredportion of a panel 101; on the front, inside or behind each panel 101.The lights 104 on each mirror surface 102 may operate independently ofeach other. In alternative embodiments, the lights 104 may operativetogether as a unit. The lights 104 on each mirror surface 102 may havetheir own on/off light switch 105. In alternative embodiments, a singlelight switch 105 may operate the lights 104 on all three mirror surfaces102. The light switch 105 may be located on the front side of eachmirror surface 102. In alternative embodiments, the light switch 105 maybe located on the front side, backside, side, top or bottom of a panel101. The light switch 105 may be a single on/off switch. In alternativeembodiments, a dual on/off switch may be used for the light switch 105.When the lights 104 are turned on, they may remain on in constantillumination. In alternative embodiments, the lights 104 may project aspecific lighting pattern (e.g. flashing, sequential flashing) whenturned on around an individual single mirror surface 102 or the lights104 may sequentially illuminate between the mirror surfaces 102 toencourage motion of an baby's head in a desired direction by followingthe illuminated lights 104. The lights 104 may utilize LED lighting. Inalternative embodiments, the lights 104 may use fluorescent,incandescent, and/or solar lighting.

The device 100 also has a music player which may be positioned insidethe center panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the music player maybe located: in front or behind the center panel 101; inside, in front orbehind the left and/or right panels 101; or each panel 101 may have amusic player. The music player may be comprised of technology necessaryto support playing pre-recorded music. In alternative embodiments, themusic player may also use pre-recorded sounds and/or voices. The musicplayer may operate independently of the lights 104 on each mirrorsurface 102. In alternative embodiments, the music player and lights 104may operate simultaneously. The music switch 106 may be located on thetop of the center panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the musicswitch 106 may be located on the front side, backside, bottom or side orof the center panel 101 and/or on the front side, backside, top, bottomor side of the left and/or right panels 101. The music switch 106 may bea dual on/off switch. In alternative embodiments, a single switch may beused for the music switch 106. In alternative embodiments, a motionsensor may be utilized on the device 100, which would activate the lightswitches 105 and/or music switch 106 when a child moves their head (e.g.picks their head off the ground, turns their head).

An alternative embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2,showing a back view of the device 100. The device 100 according to thepresent embodiment in FIG. 2 is identical to the device 100 according tothe first embodiment in FIG. 1. The flat panel 101 according to thepresent embodiment in FIG. 2 is identical to the flat panel 101according to the first embodiment in FIG. 1. The backside of each panel101 may have vertical and horizontal slot openings 107 designed to workin conjunction with an affixation device 108. This design enables eachpanel 101 to be attached to a support structure, which can includecurrent baby “play gyms, activity gyms and play systems”. Each panel 101may have the ability to attach to a support structure through affixationdevices 108 which may be removable Velcro straps. The affixation device108 may go through the slot openings 107; this creates a “loop” of theaffixation device on the backside of the panel 101 in order to securethe panel 101 a support structure. In alternative embodiments, thedesign of the slot openings 107 may change to another configuration toenable the device 100 to attach to a support structure, the location ofthe slot openings 107 may change to be located on the front, top,bottom, or side of a panel 101, the number of slot openings 107 on eachpanel 101 may increase or decrease, the material used to create theremovable affixation device 108 may be synthetic material, buckles,snaps, buttons, zipper, bungee material, elastic material, plasticmaterial, snaps and/or rivets, no slot openings 107 may be utilized, andno affixation devices 108 may be utilized.

In the present embodiment, a music player may be located inside thecenter panel 101 with a speaker 109 located on the backside of thecenter panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the speaker 109 may belocated: on the front side, top and/or side of the center panel 101; onthe front side, top, side and/or backside of the left and/or rightpanels 101. The music switch 106 according to the present embodiment inFIG. 2 is identical to the music switch 106 according to the firstembodiment in FIG. 1. The hinge mechanism 103 according to the presentembodiment in FIG. 2 is identical to the hinge mechanism 103 accordingto the first embodiment in FIG. 1.

The two-way hinge mechanism 103 enables the device 100 to have variedset up configurations during use as illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 andFIG. 5. The device 100 according to the present embodiments in FIG. 3,FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is identical to the device 100 according to theembodiments in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 above. In the alternative embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, shows a top or aerial view of the device 100 withthe three panels 101 in an open use position, and a hinge mechanism 103on each side of the center panel 101 for attachment to the left andright panels 101. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4shows a top or aerial view the device 100 with the three panels 101 inan open use position where the hinge mechanism 103 between the centerpanel 101 and the left panel 101 has been utilized to rotate the leftpanel 101 outwardly away from the center panel 101 to discourageobservation of the left mirror surface 102 and to encourage the use andobservation of the center mirror surface 102 and the right mirrorsurface 102. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 shows atop or aerial view of the device 100 with the three panels 101 in anopen use position, where the hinge mechanism 103 between the centerpanel 101 and the right panel 101 has been utilized to rotate the rightpanel 101 outwardly away from the center panel 101 to discourageobservation of the right mirror surface 102 and to encourage the use andobservation of the center mirror surface 102 and the left mirror surface102.

The two-way hinge mechanism 103 also enables the device 100 to be foldedfor easy storage as illustrated in FIG. 6. The device 100 according tothe present embodiments in FIG. 6 is identical to the device 100according to the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. In the alternativeembodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 shows a top or aerial view of thedevice 100 with the three panels 101 in a closed non-use position wherethe right panel 101 is initially folded inwardly adjacent to the centerpanel 101 and the left panel 101 is folded inwardly to be adjacent tothe right panel 101. In alternative embodiments, the left panel 101 maybe initially folded inwardly adjacent to the center panel 101 and theright panel 101 is folded inwardly to be adjacent to the left panel 101;the right panel 101 may initially fold inwardly adjacent to the centerpanel 101 and the left panel 101 is folded outwardly to be adjacent tothe center panel 101; or the left panel 101 may initially fold inwardlyadjacent to the center panel 101 and the right panel 101 is foldedoutwardly to be adjacent to the center panel 101.

An alternative embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 7,showing a top view of an individual panel 101 engaged to a protectivecover 110. The protective cover 110 may engage to the front side of thepanel 101. The flat panel 101 according to the present embodiment inFIG. 7 is identical to the flat panel 101 according to the embodimentsin FIGS. 1 and 2 above. A plastic protective cover 110 may be utilizedto cover the front side of each panel 101 in order to protect the mirrorsurface 102 from being scratched. The protective cover 110 may attach tothe front side of each panel 101 by snapping downward onto each panel101; the protective cover 110 may detach from the front side of thepanel 101 by pulling sideways and upward on each corner of theprotective cover 110. In alternative embodiments, the protective cover110 may attach and detach from the front side of the panel 101 usingmagnets or Velcro. The protective cover 110 may use a solid color designon the front side of the protective cover 110. In alternativeembodiments, the protective cover 110 may use a contrasting colorpattern design, other visual designs and/or pictures on the front sideof the protective cover 110. The protective cover 110 may be made of alight weight molded plastic. In alternative embodiments, the protectivecover 110 may be made of synthetic material, padding material and/orfabric.

An alternative embodiment of the device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 8,showing an isometric side view of an individual panel 101 engaged to aprotective cover 110. The flat panel 101 according to the presentembodiment in FIG. 8 is identical to the flat panel 101 according to theembodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 above. The protective cover 110 is engagedto the front side of the panel 101. The protective cover 110 accordingto the present embodiment in FIG. 8 is identical to the protective cover110 according to the embodiments in FIG. 7.

Alternative materials that may be used to make this invention include:safety glass, Plexiglas, and/or other materials that create a reflectivesurface to be used to make the mirror surface 102; synthetic material,padding material and/or fabric in order to make the protective cover110; magnets or Velcro may be used to attach and detach the protectivecover 110 from the front side of each panel 101; fabric, syntheticmaterial, padding material, recycled materials (e.g. plastic, paper,wood), foam, rubber and/or wood laminate in order to make the panel 101;fabric, plastic, metal, bungee material, and/or other synthetic materialin order to make the hinge mechanism 103; an alternative design for thehinge mechanism 103 that allows panels 101 to be separated; analternative design for the hinge mechanism 103 that allows foradditional panels 101 to be added and removed; an alternative design forthe hinge mechanism 103 that uses a central mechanism to be removed inorder to allow each panel 101 to be separated for storage; fluorescent,incandescent, and/or solar lighting in order to make the lightingmechanism 104; electronics necessary to support using: Bluetoothtechnology, an ability to interact with a digital audio player, motionpicture experts group audio layer 3 (MP3 player), iPod, smart phone,and/or USB capabilities within the music player; electronics necessaryto support downloading and playing music, voices, and/or sounds fromanother electronic device onto the music player; electronics necessaryto record audio directly onto the music player; use of syntheticmaterial, buckles, snaps, buttons, zipper, bungee material, elasticmaterial, plastic material, snaps and/or rivets to be used to make anaffixation device 108; use of a custom-made support structure devicethat attaches to the device 100 which would allow the device 100 to beused: in the vertical position in front of a child while on theirstomach, in the overhead position of a child while on their back or inthe side position of a child while on their back or side; use of acustom-made base device that attaches to the bottom of the device 100which would provide additional stability when the device 100 ispositioned vertically on a firm surface in a semi-circular shape or in alinear shape.

Alternative elements that may be used in substitution for the elementsof this invention include: curved panels 101 (convex or concave inshape); curved mirror surface 102 (convex or concave in shape); using acombination of a curved mirror surface 102 (convex or concave in shape)with a flat panel 101; using a combination of a flat mirror surface 102with a curved panel 101 (convex or concave in shape); a capacity to addto, or reduce, the number of panels 101 used in the design of the device100; using larger or smaller sized mirror surfaces 102 and/or panels101; a continuous semi-circular (single) mirror surface 102 with nohinge mechanism 103; a continuous semi-circular (single) panel with nohinge mechanism 103; use of an electronic screen that allows for theprojection of still images or videos on the front side or backside of apanels 101; using a reflective material that projects a distorted image(e.g. “carnival/fun” mirror material) on a panel 101; using solidcolored panels or panels with a design (e.g. contrasting color pattern,other visual designs and/or pictures) instead of a mirror surface 102 onthe front side of a panel 101; an ability to interchange the panel's 101surface material (e.g. mirror, solid color design panel, contrastingcolor design panel, other visual designs on a panel and/or pictures) onthe front side and/or backside of a panel 101; using a solid colordesign or other design on the frame on the front side of a panel 101;using a solid color, contrasting color patterns, other visual designsand/or pictures on the backside of a panel 101; using a contrastingcolor pattern design, other visual designs and/or pictures on the frontside surface of the protective cover 110; using one-way hinge mechanism;a device 100 with only mirror surfaces 102 and lights 104 (no musicfeature); a device 100 with only mirror surfaces 102 and music (nolights 104 feature); a device 100 that only uses mirror surfaces 102without lights 104 or music features; lights 104 and music player thatare activated with a single switch and operate continuously and/orsimultaneously; a different, or more complex, lighting 104 sequence usedon a panel 101; a motion sensor may be utilized on the device 100, whichwould activate the light switches 105 and/or music switch 106 when achild moves their head (e.g. picks their head off the ground, turnstheir head); change the overall size of the device 100 and/or itscomponents; change the design of the slot openings 107 that utilizes anaffixation device 108; change the number and/or location of the slotopenings 107 on the panel 101.

The various aspects of what is described above can be used alone or invarious combinations. The teaching of the present application hasnumerous advantages. Different embodiments or implementations may yieldone or more of the following advantages. It should be noted that this isnot an exhaustive list and there may be other advantages which are notdescribed herein. For example, the baby strengthening and recreationaldevice offers these benefits to the child using the invention and theadult setting up the invention:

-   -   1. A semi-circular arrangement of flat mirrored panels that, in        turn, allows a child the opportunity to see themselves from any        direction their head is positioned while on their stomach;    -   2. Eliminates the need for an adult to continually manipulate a        toy (e.g. single panel mirror) in order to promote—or respond        to—changes in the child's head position and therefore their eye        gaze;    -   3. Utilizes lights and music features, each of which have        separate on/off switches and may be activated by an adult in        response to the child's preferences and unique needs;    -   4. Incorporates two-way hinges which allow for a variety of set        up configurations during use (three-mirror set-up, two-mirror        set-up) where an adult may position one or more mirror panels to        promote a child's head orientation to the weaker,        less-preferred, side; the invention's tri-fold design with its        two, two-way hinge mechanism also allows the invention to stand        on its own when placed on a firm flat surface (e.g. the ground)        in the vertical position with a semi-circular shape;    -   5. Offers a child a larger reflection viewing area to reinforce        engagement in, and sustained tolerance of, tummy time regardless        of the child's head position;    -   6. Offers a semi-circular arrangement of multiple mirrored        panels that can be attached to a support structure (e.g. baby        play gyms, baby activity gyms, and play systems) that has        support bar(s) with the intended purpose to use the baby        strengthening and recreational device in the vertical position        on a firm flat surface (e.g. the ground);    -   7. Is designed to facilitate dynamic motor movements of a child        in the prone position by enabling the adult to easily position a        motivating tool (e.g. a toy with large semi-circular arrangement        of mirrored panels with stimulating visual and auditory        features) in various positions. The invention's developmentally        appropriate features and design promote sustained tummy time of        child as the child can easily engage with the mirrored panels        regardless of their head position (on or off the ground) and        stimuli (lights and music) can be utilized as needed to        facilitate continued child engagement during tummy time;    -   8. The use of multiple mirrored panels during tummy time is a        great way to more effectively engage and distract a child from        the hard work he or she is engaged in during tummy time. If a        baby can be distracted by things they find entertaining, the        more likely a child will stay and play on their stomach longer.        The longer the duration of time a child spends playing on their        stomach, the more quickly their strength and motor control        improves and the ability to achieve developmental milestones        more quickly. This invention promotes a child's engagement        during tummy time by incorporating a constant source of        stimulation—their reflection into three mirrored panels arranged        in a semi-circular arrangement, a contrasting color pattern on        each panel and with lights and music stimuli activated, as        desired. The size and scope of each mirrored panel in a        semi-circular arrangement provides a large viewing area for a        child to see him or herself, while playing on his or her        stomach, regardless of the direction their head is turned. This        design also encourages the child to work on controlling his or        her head not only at midline (by looking into the center mirror        panel), but also promotes the child's ability to turn his or her        head to each side (by looking into the left and right mirrored        panels). The promotion of head rotation and control through the        use of multiple large mirrored panels in a semi-circular        arrangement supports a child's development of core strength and        overall motor development;    -   9. This device also provides parents and childcare providers an        opportunity to engage with their child without having to hold up        and reposition a toy (e.g. a single panel mirror toy) in        response to where the child is looking in order to match the        location of the mirror to the child's eye gaze. The tri-fold        design enables the device to stand by itself in the vertical        position when positioned in a semi-circular shape on a firm flat        surface as well as enables a baby to see its reflection in any        direction they turn their head during tummy time on the ground.        Per the AAP, babies should always be supervised by an adult        during tummy time. Extra care and adult supervision should be        given to children who have started to reach for toys while on        their stomach in order to ensure their safety. When an adult        cannot be directly next to their child during tummy time, the        invention has the capability to attach to a support structure        when positioned in the vertical position with a semi-circular        shape. This safety capability would make it more difficult for        the baby to grab a hold of the invention and move it when an        adult is not directly next to the child. Also, extra care and        adult supervision should be given to children who have started        to roll on the ground in order to ensure their safety. As the        invention has the capability to attach to a support structure as        described above, this safety capability would help keep the        invention in an upright position should a baby roll into the        invention when an adult is not directly next to the child; and    -   10. This device also addresses the issue of when a child has a        preference for looking to one side while on their stomach (e.g.        the baby has torticollis). The device's tri-fold design with its        two way hinges allows the mirrored panels to be set up in such a        way that encourages a child to look in the directions that are        more difficult for them. By using the device with a child who        has torticollis, the mirrored panels can be set up so that one        end panel (e.g. the left or right panel) may initially be        rotated outwardly out of view, thus encouraging the child to        look toward the center and to the less-preferred, or weak, side.

The baby strengthening and recreational device is intended for use withchildren (ages newborn on up) in a variety of settings: in the home,with the parent and/or childcare provider during playtime with a child;in childcare and nursery centers with the staff during playtime withchildren; and in clinical settings (i.e. hospitals, private practiceclinics) by professionals (e.g. physical therapists, occupationaltherapists) who work with children to improve their gross motor skills.This invention is intended for use with children during their awake timewhile on the ground during tummy time (e.g. prone or stomach lying) toenhance a child's engagement and enjoyment during tummy time and, inturn, to support the child's overall motor development. The invention isintended to be used with children who have not yet mastered the grossmotor skill of crawling on hands and knees. Children who have achievedthis skill may still find this invention engaging and entertainingduring play.

Tummy time is considered a body position as well as a play activity thatis critical to a child's acquisition of fundamental and age-appropriategross motor skills. Children enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror andtypically find mirror play most entertaining. Children also find lightsand music very entertaining to engage with during play. Contrastingcolor patterns also help a child's eyes learn to focus on a target aswell as focus their attention on a preferred item of interest. The babystrengthening and recreational device not only taps into activitieschildren find reinforcing (e.g. mirror play, lights, music and acontrasting color pattern), it also facilitates the development of thegross motor skills of children, and satisfies the individual needs ofchildren experiencing developmental delays and/or muscular disorders.

Although the teaching of the present application has been described indetail for the purposes of illustration, it is understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein bythose skilled in the art without departing from the scope of theteaching of this application. For example, the device has been describedwith having three individual panels, with each said panel beingsubstantially rectangular in shape, but it is understood that the paneldoes not need to be rectangle, the shape of the panel could have anyother suitable shape that continues to enable the device to still bepositioned vertically on the ground in a semi-circular arrangement.Features described in the preceding description may be used incombinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention tothose features of the invention believed to be of particular importanceit should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respectof any patentable feature or combination of features herein beforereferred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particularemphasis has been placed thereon.

The term “comprising” as used in the claims does not exclude otherelements or steps. The term “a” or “an” as used in the claims does notexclude a plurality. A unit or other means may fulfill the functions ofseveral units or means recited in the claims.

1. The invention claimed is a device comprising a plurality of threeflat mirrored panels, said plurality of flat mirrored panels engaged toeach other by a two-way hinge, said plurality of flat panels having aflat mirror surface on the front surface, said plurality of flat panelshaving a plurality of affixation devices on the rear surface, saidplurality of flat mirrored panels having a plurality of light emittingdiode light sources and an on/off switch for said light sources, saidcenter flat panel having a music source and an on/off switch for saidmusic source, said center panel has a speaker for said music source onthe rear surface, and said plurality of flat mirrored panels having aremovable protective cover for the front surface.